Inflammation, proteolysis, smooth muscle cell apoptosis, and angiogenesis have been implicated in the pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), although the well-defined initiating mechanism is not fully understood. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) such as MMP-2 and -9 and other proteinases degrading elastin and extracellular matrix are the critical pathogenesis of AAAs. Among the risk...

BOOK REVIEWS 466 Stalin and the Bomb, reviewed by V. Zubok * Global Marine Biological Diversity, S. R. Carpenter * Ecological Genetics, R. E. Michod * Vignettes AAAS MEETING 471 1995 AAAS Annual Meeting and Science Innovation Exposition, 16-21 February 1995, Atlanta Expanded Program * Seminar * Employment Exchange * Advance Registration Form * Hotel Reservation Form PRODUCTS & MATERIALS 489

Objective: To define the role of developmental testosterone exposures in sexual dimorphism of AAAs, we determined if exposure of neonatal female mice to testosterone confers adult susceptibility to AngII-induced AAAs. Methods and Results: One-day– old female hypercholesterolemic mice were administered a single dose of either vehicle or testosterone. Neonatal testosterone administration increase...

Physicians must make decisions about screening patients for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs), monitoring or referring for surgery patients with AAAs of various sizes, and assessing patients with symptoms that may be related to AAAs. This review article analyzes the evidence for each scenario. The effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of screening for AAA is based on results from four randomized...

BACKGROUND The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) has increased during the last decades. However, there is still controversy about the management of medium-sized AAAs. Therefore, novel biomarkers, besides aneurysmal diameter, are needed to assess aortic wall integrity and risk of rupture. Elastin is the key protein for maintaining aortic wall tensile strength and stability. The prog...